The House of Representatives today passed the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012, which repeals outdated legislation that is a roadblock to the United States taking full advantage of Russia’s ascension to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The vote of 365 to 43 would establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia if a similar bill is passed by the Senate and signed by the president.

The National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF), U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) commended the House for their quick action in passing this legislation and encouraged the Senate to act similarly.

“The U.S. poultry industry applauds the House of Representatives for an overwhelming, bipartisan vote to grant PNTR status to Russia, a move that will spur job creation, boost economic growth and be budget neutral at the same time,” the groups said in a joint press release. “We urge the Senate to follow suit after Thanksgiving and get a bill to the president’s desk by the end of the year.”

Granting PNTR to Russia will assure that the United States has equal accession to general tariff reductions, market opening measures and the ability of U.S. interests, such as poultry, to seek trade relief, if necessary, through the WTO.

“Since Russia already officially entered into the WTO last summer, PNTR will ensure that poultry companies can take full advantage of new business opportunities, that Russia’s commitments in the WTO are enforced and that American businesses are on an equal playing field in the Russian market,” added the coalition.

“Continuing to export $300 million of poultry to Russia annually will provide better incomes for more U.S. workers and additional poultry to be produced by a growing number of family farmers across America.”